The novel’s ‘spine shot’ offers a different perspective, like professional reviews, which are more discerning compared to Amazon and Goodreads.
A Southern Enchantress Welcomes Reviews
BookTrib published this review on February 5, 2024, offered by Natalie Garrison.
Here’s the link: Enchanting Fantasy Romance Celebrates Generational Love | BookTrib.
Excerpts: “Deborah Trahan is a natural world-builder, as her debut novel transported me to the warm salt air and blooming flora of the Louisiana Gulf Coast. I was immersed in the practice of hoodoo, from shuffling angel tarot decks to hanging blue glass bottles outside the house for protection from evil. She also did a magnificent job giving the characters their own unique personality traits, one example being Suzie often pouring herself a chilled glass of Moscato before a tarot reading.”
“The book had the ideal balance of romance, magic, history and thrill making this novel a truly addictive read. Trahan not only does a beautiful job with world-building and character personalities but also her writing style is fast-paced and life-like, making me feel as if I was an apparition in the story watching the plot unfold.”
“Those who have watched and enjoyed shows and movies like Practical Magic, The Craft, American Horror Story: Coven, and Witches of Eastwick would surely enjoy A Southern Enchantress.”
Reedsy Discovery Review, by Julie Porter, was published December 22, 2023
5-STARS! Read the entire review [Spoiler Alert!] Here’s the link:
A Southern Enchantress by Deborah Trahan – Reviewed by Julie Porter | Reedsy Discovery
Excerpts: “Deborah Trahan’s Contemporary Fantasy Magical Realism novel tells the story of a family of mostly women who share a magical and dark disturbing past. This past binds them to each other even beyond death.”
“Addy and Suzanne are exceptional protagonists, and both their stories are superbly interwoven by similar experiences with men and a stronger link that is revealed later in the book.”
“What is more important than the Lafountain’s relationship with men is their relationship with each other. Even though there are some things that are hidden and need to be discovered, the family members love, care for, and will protect each other. This is the type of family that guides, advises, and assists their loved one, dead or alive.
OnlineBookClub.org published its review by Kajori Sheryl Paul, December 15, 2023.
5-STARS! Here’s the link:
Review of A Southern Enchantress – reviewer Kajori Sheryl Paul – OnlineBookClub.org
Excerpts: “All the characters of A Southern Enchantress are beautifully sketched. The best part is that none of the characters is perfect. My heart went out to Adelaide. She had her flaws. She was ambitious yet headstrong. The way she was treated by people actually broke my heart. Etsy, Addy’s sister, appeared to be the most understanding of sisters. However, there was something about her that did not endear her to me. Mimi Jeanne was amazing. She was resilient and always wanted the best for her granddaughters. When she felt helpless, I felt helpless. Suzanne had a difficult upbringing.”
“It was a treat watching her reconnect with her mother and embrace her destiny. Jack Reynolds was an enigma. Max Martin was an antagonist. Yet, there were times when I could almost understand why he did what he did. I believe this is a testament to Deborah Trahan’s writing prowess. She makes us connect with all her characters.”
IndieReader published its review on January 4, 2024.
“Suzanne and Adelaide, two generations of Lafountain women, are connected by their shared magical abilities, heritage and attempts to thwart their destinies. . . Both women refuse to learn to channel their powers into hoodoo practice, rushing headlong toward men who may utterly destroy them.”
A Southern Enchantress is set in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, where everything from the food to the pristine beaches is brought to life in delicious detail.”
“There is also a mystery nestled in the heart of the Lafountain family history, and she leaves a trail of clues and hints that lead to its eventual unraveling. Suzanne and Adelaide both have electric personalities; these strong, determined women don’t quail in the fact of setbacks. Yet these qualities seem to mean nothing in the uncaring, spiritual world.”
